The third week of Advent focuses on Joy. It’s sometimes called “Gaudete Sunday,” from the Latin word for rejoice or praise. I’ve updated the nondenominational worship service on Joy for Advent week 3.

As always, this service is suitable for older adults with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Watch the 44-minute worship service for Joy, Advent week 3, here. Bonus: You won’t want to miss the latest grandchildren photos 😍

And here’s the written agenda for Advent week 3, Joy.

Why is the third candle pink?

Unlike the other Advent candles, which are purple — the liturgical color of penance and preparation, also used during Lent — the Joy candle is traditionally pink or rose.

Why pink? One of my Catholic readers told me that “many people, myself included, believe it is pink because the feast day of Mary, the mother of Jesus, usually falls during the third week of Advent and the candle is pink to honor her.” Interesting!

Alternatively, a Presbyterian site says that using pink “can be traced to medieval practice that set aside the third Sunday in Lent (and later, Advent) as an occasion of joy and a respite from the rigors of the penitential season.”

If you know of other reasons, I’d love to hear them — please post in the comments below.

Peace be with you,